Discussion Questions for
"Civil Disobedience"

Why does Thoreau say that men must be "prepared" for a government that "governs not at all"?(pg. 1)

What would people have to be like to be prepared for such a government?

How does a government get in its own way?(pg. 1)

How does it get out of its own way?

Thoreau says that that government is best which leaves its citizens alone.(pg. 2) If that is true, then do we need government?

Why does Thoreau think that a government of "majority rule" is never based upon justice?(pg. 2)

Thoreau writes, "The only obligation which I have a right to assume, is to do at any time what I think right."(pg. 2) What does he mean by this?

Thoreau says that the mass of men serve the state "not as men mainly, but as machines . . ."(pg. 3) What does he mean by this?

Thoreau says there are three types of people who serve the government. Those who serve with their bodies, those who serve with their heads and those who serve with their consciences.(pg. 3) Explain each type.

Do you agree with Thoreau that there is a time "to refuse allegiance to and to resist the government when its tyranny or its inefficiency are great and unendurable"?(pg. 3)

Thoreau says we must do the right thing even if it costs us our life.(pg. 4) Do you agree? Why or why not?

Thoreau says that there must be "some absolute goodness somewhere; for that will leaven the whole lump."(pg. 5) What does he mean by this? What is absolute goodness?

What is the difference between "patrons of virtue" and a "virtuous man"?(pg. 5)

Thoreau says that "voting for the right is doing nothing for it."(pg. 5) Do you agree? Why or why not?

Thoreau asks, "How can a man be satisfied to entertain an opinion merely, and enjoy it?"(pg. 7) Why are men(and women) "satisifed to entertain an opinion"?

How would you answer Thoreau's question on page 7 that begins paragraph 2?("Unjust laws exist . . .")

Thoreau asks these questions about the government(pg. 7):

"Why is it not more apt to anticipate and provide for reform?"

"Why does it not cherish its wise minority?"

"Why does it not encourage its citizens to be on the alert to point out its faults . . .?"

How would you answer these questions?

When does Thoreau say we should break the law?(see page 8, 1st paragraph)

What does Thoreau mean when says that "the State never intentionally confronts a man's sense, intellectual or moral, but only his body, his senses"?

Thoreau says "I quietly declare war with the State, after my fashion, though I will still make what use and get what advantage of her I can . . ."(pg. 15) What does he mean by this?

What is Thoreau's criticism of Daniel Webster?(see page 17)

What is "civil disobedience?"

Do you agree with Thoreau's essay? Why or why not?

Under what circumstances would you be willing to disobey the government?

Discussion Questions for "Civil Disobedience"

Discussion Questions for
"Civil Disobedience"